10 Questions to the America’s Cup: everything you need to know about the regatta of the year

America’s Cup. We are less than 100 days away from August 22, the day when we will see all the new AC 75s at work in the last of the Preliminary Regattas before the America’s Cup, the first real confrontation between the new generation of hulls. Over the past few months we have devoted several in-depth reports to each individual team (French aside because they have not yet launched the new AC 75) and their boats. Instead, now comes the time for a general overview at the event, with 10 questions to find out all the most important things there are to know about the America’s Cup in Barcelona.

America’s Cup in Barcelona – When

The “show” will begin on August 22 with the last Preliminary Regatta, where we will see all AC 75s at work, including in fleet races. The Louis Vuitton Cup, or the competition that will determine which challenger will go on to play for the America’s Cup against defender Team New Zealand (which will still take part in the first round robins of the LVC), will begin on August 29. The LVC finals will be staged starting Sept. 27. From October 12 to 27, however, it will finally be time for the America’s cup match, between Team New Zealand and the designated challenger. The Youth America’s Cup will also be held from September 10 to 26, and the Women America’s Cup from September 26 to October 13, both with AC 40s.

America’s Cup : Where

Team bases and the regatta village will be in Port Vell; grandstands will also be set up to watch the races from shore.

How much does the last Preliminary Regatta count

It has no bearing on the Louis Vuitton Cup standings nor on the America’s Cup.

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Luna Rossa and Alfa Romeo together in the hunt for the America’s Cup

America’s Cup : Who are the challengers

In addition to Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, there will be Challenge of Record Ineos Britannia, American Magic, Alinghi Red Bull Racing, Orient Express Team France.

Who is the favored challenger for the Louis Vuitton Cup

It is difficult to make exact predictions, but the feeling is that Luna Rossa and American Magic may start one step ahead of the others. Alinghi has a very interesting boat but is in its first participation with the AC 75, Ineos needs to show more solidity after the last few campaigns where the boats always had Achilles heels. The French of Orient Express signed up last minute and do not seem to be able to aspire to anything else but participate.

Which team is favored to win the Cup

It is difficult, if not impossible, not to put Team New Zealand first among the favorites given the superiority shown, especially in vehicle speed, in the last two editions won. Who will be able to challenge the Kiwis?

America’s Cup: What is the format of the regattas

The official America’s Cup races (Louis Vuitton cup included, excluding the Preliminary Regatta), will be held in the match race format, on a windward-leeward course.

America’s Cup: What speed do we expect from AC 75

In cool wind conditions, above 10-12 knots, we expect upwind speeds around 40 knots, with the possibility of breaking through the 50-knot wall at the stern.

What the weather conditions will be like in Barcelona

The Barcelona course from September through October does not promise particularly windy conditions, likely most races, if in good weather reigns, will take place in winds under 15 knots, with the possibility of days seasoned with waves.

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America’s Cup: Where they will be televised

For Italy, the broadcasters transmitting the races will be Sky, for subscribers, and Mediaset free-to-air.

The Sailing Newspaper will be featured in Barcelona to bring you a behind-the-scenes look at the regatta of the year, with interviews, video photos and a special edition of The Cup Newspaper.

Mauro Giuffrè